I find that I am addicted to taking you to wine bars
I find I am addicted to listening to you talk
I find I am finding this easy
I find you attractive
and I hope you have the strength to keep me at arms length


Grace talked of dirty videos and growing old alone
Claudine asked for help in finding work
Kate came round, grieving and not moving on
I conducted no research, a shame
I could be prosecuted
but earlier, watching you drink and laugh again - you made me smile
for real


I do not want to be a man that comes from woman to woman
falling in and out of "love" too easily
wrecking beauty with my ill considered appetites

so secretly, against myself, I pray you have the strength to keep me at arms length